The following is a list of today's winners and losers within the
Russell Microcap Index.
Winners
Shares of Nexxus (NasdaqCM: NEXS) jumped 44% today as the
company announced a new partnership with Lowe's Stores (
LOW
). The firm will soon offer its premium brand LED light bulbs for
sale at 1,1000 Lowe's locations plus Lowes.com in June of this
year.
The advance today came on the heels of an announcement that their
premium brand of LED light bulbs will be offered at 1,100 Lowe's
stores and Lowes.com. The bulbs will be available beginning June
2011. Earnings will be announced next week (prior to the open March
25) so keep a close eye on this one.
Independent Bank (NasdaqGS: IBCP)
is currently rated as one of the top banks in the Regional Banking
Industry based on estimated Forward Earnings. If you look at the
projected earnings for the current fiscal year
Independent Bank (NasdaqGS: IBCP)
has the highest forward earnings yield in the Regional Banks
Industry at 35.2%. The forwards earnings yield is often useful to
compare the performance of a stock's return versus owning a stock
within the same industry or other yield-based assets such as
bonds.
Uranium Resources (NasdaqCM: URRE)
bounced today after losing over 41% since the catastrophic events
in Japan. Uranium Resources is a pure play in the uranium market so
if you think that the market for nuclear energy is still intact
then I would suggest taking a closer look at this company. I
recently wrote
an article about another uranium miner that could
be ripe for the picking
.
Losers
The big intraday loser -
American Apparel (
APP
)
. The retailer struggled as of late due to a
sexual harassment lawsuit
, but the real story is the ongoing financial woes that the company
has suffered from since XXX. This company is littered with ongoing
lawsuits and investigations ranging from fraudulent accounting to
the use of illegal immigrant labor.
The furniture and food retailer
Cost Plus (NasdaqGS: CPWM)
stated after the close yesterday that fourth quarter profits
increased to $28.5 million, or $1.23 a share, from $21.1 million,
or 95 cents earned over the same period last year. Good right? Not
so fast. The company forecast a first quarter loss from continuing
operations of 22 cents to 28 cents a share.
The decline in the Energy Sector has taken its toll on
Lucas Energy (Amex: LEI)
today. The stock recently soared over 150% and is now coming back
down to earth. The company shows a steady increase in sales of oil
from 6,400 barrels in 2009 to 13,000 barrels in 2010. Projected
revenues are also expected to increase from $30 million in 2010 to
over $70 million by 2015. The company seems to be doing everything
right so this could be a stock to add to your watchlist as it might
be nearing an attractive entry price, especially if you think oil
prices will bounce and continue to push higher.